The board of the Melbourne Art Foundation [MAF] today announced Bill Nuttall had retired as Chairman of the Foundation and it had appointed Ken Fehily as the new chairman, effective immediately.
The board extended its sincere thanks and appreciation to Bill for the 3 years he had been in the chair.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Ken Fehily said “In his capacity as Chairman, Bill was instrumental in the success of Melbourne Art Fair 2010. His understanding and knowledge of the art world is virtually unrivalled and he has been a great source of support and guidance, and as such we are pleased he will continue to assist the Foundation as a board member and as a member on MAF’s curatorial committee.
Bill said “I resumed the Chairmanship in 2009. In 2010, MAF saw the best Fair yet and in 2011, another highly successful Awards Night, both events under the directorship of Bronwyn Johnson. With MAF poised to embark on an exciting new era with a strong and committed Board, I feel the time is right for me to confidently and proudly step down from the Chair.
“Ken Fehily will be a wonderful new Chair. He is energetic and passionate, is well known and connected to the art world, is a respected businessman and tax expert and was recently appointed by the Victorian Government as Deputy Chair of Places Victoria.”
Newly appointed Chairman Ken Fehily, regarded as one of Australia’s foremost experts and advisers on taxation issues, combines his career with a love for art. Ken and his wife Lisa have been long-term collectors of contemporary art. And they have established their own contemporary art gallery in Melbourne, promoting the work of established, emerging and international artists.
Ken joined the Board of MAF in 2009.
Ken is also the Deputy Chair of the Places Victoria board, charged with delivering on development and urban renewal targets in Victoria. He also serves on the board of the National Independent Schools Councils of Australia.
Ken said “I feel very privileged to have been entrusted with the task of building on the significant achievements already made by the MAF in its primary mission, being the support of living Australian artists. MAF makes its contribution by collaborating with and supporting where possible the true believers and participants in the Australian contemporary art scene.
“I have to admit that I am very excited and looking forward to working with the arts community to contribute to our shared cause.
“MAF and I are committed to doing everything we can to assist and support Australian artists and galleries and together drive the success of Australian contemporary art here and internationally.
